Caroline Parr
The best slippers are the ones you put on as soon as you wake up, and they're also the last thing you take off at night, so they're pretty important. Finding the right pair means you can wear them comfortably all year round, but they're particularly cosy for the colder months.
We certainly expect a lot from our slippers. We wear them for hours on end every day, and need them to be both stylish and supremely comfortable. Making us feel at home as soon as we walk through the door, the best slippers for women are an autumn capsule wardrobe essential. The ideal partner to the warmest pyjamas or your favourite loungewear, slippers offer protection from a drop in temperature, as well as added foot support around the house, which is particularly useful if you work from home.
Whether you prefer lightweight, breathable styles or something more structured for indoor-outdoor wear, we've tried and tested the best slippers on the high street to make your shopping experience a little bit easier.
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The quick list: top 6
These bestselling slippers are a trending style that's worth the investment. With a real suede outer, and soft shearling lining, these super toasty slippers are ideal for wearing both indoors and out. However, sizes often sell out fast, so our advice is to grab them quickly.
The standout feature of these slippers is the shearling lining. These are warm enough to wear outdoors in the cooler months, paired with statement socks, whilst the open toe makes them breathable for the transitional, warmer months.
With an RRP of £40, these are the most affordable option on our shortlist, and what we were really impressed with is how sturdy they are. They're super easy to slip on and off and the faux fur lining is ludicrously soft underfoot.
These feature a memory foam comfort insole which supports your feet all day. Not only this, but the bootie design means both your feet and ankles are covered, making them the perfect choice if warmth is your main priority.
With a Microwobbleboard sole that adds a layer of cushioning, these slides are incredibly supportive. They use a triple-density cushioning technology designed to absorb shock and relieve pressure across your foot.
Made by mattress brand Simba, these are "designed to mimic the relaxing sensation and head-to-toe health benefits of Reflexology". They feature a strong rubber sole and a specialist footbed that cushions the pressure points in your feet for extra support and comfort.
6 best slippers for women, tried and tested
Decision time. After much consideration, here are the very best slippers for women on the market at the moment. If you pushed me to decide on one overall winner, it would have to be the UGG Tasmans, but if you need a hand figuring out what will work for your feet, skip to the how to choose section.
Best indoor-outdoor
woman&home’s Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr struggled to get her hands on the UGG Tasman slippers since they keep on selling out, but when she finally did, she wasn’t prepared for them to live up to the hype. How wrong she was!
Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes raves about her Tasmans. She says: “as someone who, up to this point, had never worn slippers, what possessed me to spend £80 on a pair is beyond me. But alas, I did, and I would say there have been very few days in the last two years that I haven’t worn them. I wouldn’t be without them.”
Not long after they arrived, Caroline found herself agreeing. Style-wise, they’re unrivalled - a real thing of beauty. They slip on and off easily, the embroidery is beautiful, and the thing that really seals the deal is that you can wear them both indoors and outdoors. Which totally justifies the price, right?
They are an investment piece, but if you look after them, they’re going to last years. Caroline said, “My feet have been feeling a little achy recently due to long days of running around. The UGG Tasman is like stepping into little clouds. No pain, no rubbing, just complete comfort. Bliss!”
We'd recommend sizing up, because the fluffy shearling lining does take a while to flatten down, and our best advice is to wear them anywhere and everywhere. Socks are totally acceptable too!
You can read more in the full UGG Tasman slippers review
Best sandals
Freelance fashion editor Antonia Kraskowski, is a loyal owner of the Birkenstock Shearling Arizona slippers, and she's already on her third pair!
Her dedication to this slipper style is due to both comfort and style. She highlights the moulded footbed, which offers excellent arch support, and the deep heel cup that adds to the comfy wearing experience, making these sandals a great alternative to traditional slippers.
Not only this, but the soft shearling footbed and straps provide a luxurious feel, and she mentions that they keep your feet warm during colder days - plus the natural shearling works to regulate your temperature so they can be worn through spring and summer too.
A standout feature for Antonia is that you can style them in plenty of ways, and the large range of colour options makes them even more versatile. She opted for the tan suede option, which she styled with plenty of outfit options, including some fabulous leopard print jeans.
Importantly, she did comment that they run slightly bigger than other slipper brands, and she sized down from a UK 4 to a 3. Because of this, we would suggest ordering a size down to be on the safe side.
She also notes that you can wear them both indoors and outdoors, and that by adding cosy cashmere socks, you can even wear them outdoors in the winter months.
You can read more in the full Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Slippers
Best value for money
These impressed Caroline as soon as she put them on. She's worn and loved Skechers trainers before, but has never thought to shop the brand for the best slippers before now.
BOBS is a collection committed to helping pets in need, plus these are made from vegan leather and faux fur (which is so soft), so you can feel warm fuzzy inside in more ways than one.
The sole is really sturdy, but not heavy, and although it's not strictly recommended by the brand, you could definitely get away with wearing these outside. As with so many of Skechers' super popular designs, Caroline is confident that anyone with mobility issues would find them easy to slip on and off. They're available in a selection of different colours, and they'd make a fantastic Christmas present.
They lost half a star simply because they're not machine washable, and the sizes are slightly on the bigger size. However, for me, wearing them with a warm pair of socks has solved both of those problems!
Overall, for the price, they’re a brilliant everyday option. Warm, comfy, and supportive enough that I don’t get sore feet from wearing them all day. They're the most affordable option on our list, but they're absolutely not a throwaway purchase.
You can read more in the full Skechers BOBS Keepskake Lite Slippers
Best booties
Caroline also tried these, and she really was swayed by the boot style. She says, “Until now, I preferred open-toe slippers that more closely resemble sandals, but the Sloane slipper booties really changed my mind.”
Hush Puppies is one of those brands that you might forget to look at when searching for shoes or slippers, but they make some amazing styles that are so comfortable. Caroline found these to be super lightweight, and the embroidered detailing adds a touch of luxury. The black suede option was really practical, too.
They’re made from real suede and shearling, and we would recommend going up a size due to the plush lining. The one thing Caroline did point out as a potential downside is that they’re not a slip-on style - they do require a little effort to put them on, which might be difficult for anyone with mobility issues or anyone who prefers backless slippers.
They offer cloud soft cushioning and a level of warmth you can’t get from sandal designs, that Caroline even went so far as to say she’s choosing her Hush Puppies slippers for a night in at home over an evening out in any of her designer shoes - high praise indeed.
You can read more in the full Hush Puppies Sloane Bootie Slippers review
Most supportive
I tried the FitFlop Shuv Two-Bar Shearling Slides, and I would definitely recommend this style if you're looking for more comfort and support in your slippers. Also, the real shearling material is ridiculously soft and cosy, but what really sold me was the hidden support.
FitFlop’s Microwobbleboard sole genuinely makes such a difference in easing pressure on my feet and adding a subtle bounce to every step; it also gives me some extra height. FitFlop confirms that this footbed technology actually "helps absorb shock but can also diffuse underfoot pressure by instantly increasing the contact area of the foot to the midsole."
The two-strap design keeps your feet secure, and the sole has great grip, so I never feel like I’m shuffling around. I also love that they don’t scream “house slippers” due to their stylish design. However, the open-toe style might not be for everyone, especially if you like full coverage, and the shearling does need a bit of care to stay fluffy.
They do have a rubber sole; however, I probably wouldn't wear them outdoors for long periods of time, only maybe to pop to the shop or out in the garden in them.
Overall, this is a brilliant investment if you're looking for a supportive, cosy indoor style.
You can read more in the full Fitflop Shuv Two-Bar Shearling Slides
Best clogs
woman&home's Lifestyle Editor Tamara Kelly tried and tested these slippers by mattress brand Simba. She's an avid fan of Birkenstock Boston Clogs, but actually found Simba's reflexology-inspired design to be a much more comfortable pick.
The main takeaway from her review was that the plush design makes them a standout choice. She revealed that the soles are "filled with a specialised gel that gently massages specific pressure points to aid blood circulation, reduce tension, aid pain relief, and promote relaxation." She thought this added design detail made a real difference in the wearing experience.
Tamara also noted the sleek, understated silhouette and shape, which is a fantastic lookalike for the trending Birkenstock Boston clogs. She actually advises that these are a better option, as they provide a stylish, chic look but with extra support and comfort in comparison.
Another thing that she notes is the quality of materials used to make these slippers, including premium Merino wool and soft leather suede. These natural materials mean that they will be breathable in the warmer months, while also being excellent for insulating your feet when it's cooler.
You can read more in the full Simba Stomur Slipper review here.
How we tested the best slippers for women
We kicked things off by doing our research: we looked at which models are most popular at the moment, which do customers rate highly, and which offer good value for money. As well as adding new options into the mix, we also thought about the slippers we already own ourselves, and whether we would genuinely recommend them.
We then narrowed it down, and five members of the woman&home team tested a variety of the very best slippers on the market, ranging from mules to clogs in order to find the top options.
We evaluated them in terms of comfort and support (including warmth), style, and cleaning and care. We weighted these parameters equally and divided up the slippers amongst testers, trying to avoid bias by embracing styles we wouldn't necessarily have chosen before.
Testing times ranged from two weeks for some of the newer styles like the Hush Puppies booties and Skechers slip-ons to several years for favourite styles like the Birkenstocks and UGGs. Kerrie has had her UGG Tasmans for two years, and Antonia has three pairs of Birkenstock Arizona shearling sandals in her collection! For the newer styles, we'll continue to put them through their paces and report back on any changes or problems in the coming weeks and months.
We tested each pair of slippers in plenty of ways, wearing them for long days of working from home, testing them on hard floors and carpets, and even braving the occasional trip outside to see how they work on different terrains beyond the sofa.
It was tricky to narrow it down to just six, and there were some - like The White Company borg ballet slippers - that only very narrowly missed a spot on the list.
We know that slippers aren't a one-size-fits-all purchase, so we considered many factors, including the following:
- Comfort & fit: We considered how easy they are to slip on and off, whether they rub anywhere or make your feet ache, and what kind of arch and footbed support they offer. We also take into account the materials used and how they impact the wearing experience.
- Style: Even though you may only wear your slippers indoors, how they look is just as important as how comfortable they are. Slippers should feel just as stylish as the rest of your wardrobe, and this is certainly something we take into account.
- Care & cleaning: A good pair of slippers can last for years if you take good care of them properly. Whether they are real shearling or faux fur, we look for styles that can be cared for and cleaned properly, so you don't have to.
- Longevity: your slippers should stand the test of time with sturdy footbeds and thoughtful designs that are made to last. Two of the more expensive styles we included in our list have been worn and loved by testers for several years, so we can confidently attest to the fact that they last.
Slipper styles
Mules have no backs to them so are easy to slip on and off without having to bend down. A good option if your feet get too hot in full-on slippers but may not be as sturdy as some.
Booties are perfect for when temperatures drop as they come up to your ankle so will keep you seriously toasty. Look for rubber soles if you want them to keep their shape over time.
Sliders are a sandal-slipper hybrid. These are backless and have an open toe to allow more breathability. They have one or two straps across the top of the foot. A good all-year-round option that's bang on-trend.
As slippers have gained in popularity, both designer and straight-to-market brands are awash with directional pairs, but it's important not to get swayed on style alone. Our selection of the best slippers looked for luxe fabrications, both for the body and lining of the shoe. From faux fur to shearling, slippers need to offer your feet plenty of comfort.
We also chose slippers with thicker or more hardwearing soles and footbeds, to ensure your chosen slippers will last. While your slippers will be worn inside, you will on occasion need to nip outside in them, so we generally tried to select slippers that could have potential wear outside too (although we still recommend this is kept to a minimum).
When it came to aesthetics, we sourced a range of colours and cuts, and ensured there were both plain and embellished styles, displaying an array of the latest trends.
We've also considered what features matter to a wide variety of people. From those with mobility issues who need easy on-and-off designs, to those who need extra foot support with cushioned insoles.
How to choose the best slippers
- Price: Consider how much of an investment you want to make. If your budget can stretch, it might be worth investing in higher-quality pieces that last longer than more affordable options. With an RRP of £135, the Birkenstock Arizona shearling sandals were the priciest on our shortlist, but in terms of star rating, the £100 UGG Tasmans came out top. The UGGs should last for years, so it's worth spending that bit more if you can; however, there are some great slippers that don't cost a fortune, so perhaps it's worth weighing up your options. At £40, the Skechers were our most affordable option, and they scored an impressive four and a half stars out of five.
- Size: Most websites have handy size guides that are well worth taking the time to look at. It's also good to think about where you will wear your slippers the most, and whether you'll be pairing them with socks or wearing them solo. If you're going to wear socks, it's worth sizing up.
- Care instructions: Machine-washable slippers might be lower maintenance if you find yourself regularly needing to freshen up your slippers. Suede styles can also be cleaned, so check out our guide on how to wash slippers for expert tips and advice.
- Support: Much like choosing the most comfortable trainers, think about what you need from your slippers. Do you require arch support? In which case, the Birkenstock are for you. If you're on your feet for most of the day, Simba's reflexology soles will feel like a massage.
Best slippers: Styles that just missed the list
As you can tell from the impressive star ratings of our top six styles, the best slippers turned out to be a really tough category. Our best runner-up has to be the White Company Borg Ballet Slippers, which Caroline really rates; however, they don't offer as much support as the other styles on this list.
I also fell head over heels for some budget-friendly M&S mule slippers, but at just £19.50, they quickly flew off the shelves. M&S do some other really good affordable options, just be aware that the less you pay for slippers, it's quite possible the more frequently you'll have to replace them.
FAQS
What type of slipper should I get?
When looking for the best slippers, you'll want to consider practicality, comfort and aesthetics, as fashion and beauty writer Amelia Yeomans explains, "I'm a very devoted slippers wearer and one thing I've learned over the years is that you really need to invest in a pair that has a strong, sturdy sole. Anything too thin will wear through very quickly. I love the UGG Tasman style for everyday, and I have a pair of the UGG Disco Slides, which are perfect for lounging when I want to feel a bit more put together. For more affordable alternatives, M&S has lots of stylish thick-soled options."
Are Uggs Tasman slippers indoor or outdoor?
Ugg Tasman slippers work for any occasions, they feature a durable outsole, which means that you can wear them both indoors and out. This style look great with casual daytime outfits, pair with the best wide leg jeans and a cosy jumper for a warm winter look.
Are sheepskin slippers worth it?
Not only is sheepskin a natural insulator, it's also extremely durable, hypoallergenic and the eco-friendly choice too. Plus this material provides the most comfortable, soft fit that it's very stylish.
Is it better to walk barefoot or with slippers at home?
The best slippers will provide cushioning if you're walking on hard surfaces at home, but if your home is carpeted that might not be a problem. Slippers will of course keep your feet warm and protected, but ultimately it's personal preferance.
